Measures to Prevent Hypertension and Obesity in Childhood: RBSK 2.0 Expansion
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has expanded RBSK 2.0 to include 38 child health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and mental health issues. This was informed by Union Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 24 July 2026.
Background
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) is a child health screening and early intervention program under the National Health Mission. RBSK 2.0 is its revised version with expanded scope.
Key facts
RBSK 2.0 operational guidelines now cover 38 common health conditions in children.
New additions include non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension, mental health problems, and behavioral concerns.
Mobile Health Teams (MHTs) under RBSK are strengthened with additional human resources from other NHM programs for screening in schools and anganwadis.
A comprehensive preventive, promotive, and curative care system with digital tracking and follow-up is adopted.
IEC materials like health booklets, videos, and posters have been developed and shared with states/UTs to raise awareness on lifestyle-related health issues.
The information was provided in a written reply in Lok Sabha by Union Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel.
Prelims pointers
- RBSK: Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram
- RBSK 2.0: Expanded version covering 38 conditions
- Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Program under: National Health Mission (NHM)
- New conditions: diabetes, hypertension, mental health, behavioral concerns
- IEC: Information, Education and Communication
- MHT: Mobile Health Teams
- Date: 24 July 2026
- Lok Sabha reply by Minister Anupriya Patel
Mains angles
- Discuss the significance of including NCDs and mental health in child health screening programs.
- Critically examine the role of digital tracking and mobile health teams in improving child health outcomes.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of IEC campaigns in promoting healthy lifestyles among children and parents.